Little League's Recognition and Appreciation Day a Success

Many familiar faces were on hand Saturday morning to celebrate the kids who play on the field and the adults who work off the field to make the Fort Lee National Little League (FLNLL) the traditional success it is.

All 12 teams were on hand and took the field alongside their coaches, with four teams from the pee-wee league, four teams from the minor league and four teams from the major league.

The event was in fact not an opening day ceremony, but a celebration of the men and women who have given so much of their time and dedication to the little league, which went through some tough times not too long ago.

“Two years ago, we had a tremendous amount of rain down here at Fort Lee National, causing me to reschedule about 20 games," said league President Donna Martini. "After the season was over I had gone to Councilman Mike Sargenti, and I said we really need to do something down at Fort Lee National. Mike put his feelers out there and spoke to the other Councilmen and the Mayor and under the instruction of Mayor Sokolich the DPW restored the infield, putting in all new drainage and new dugouts.”

The work was not yet done, as a new ventilation system was also put into the kitchen area with the help of Fort Lee Fire Official of Steven Curry, who used to play in the league himself.

“Youth sports is very important, and then when they get done with the sports, joining an organization like the fire department or ambulance corps in town is very important too because it keeps the kids busy and keeps them off the streets and just the camaraderie and all that’s involved," Curry said. "It makes a better person."

Vice president of the FLNLL and the manager of Francos Metro, Jimmy Ross, agrees and thought the ceremony was a great celebration for everyone involved.

“I think it’s great," he said. "It’s really good and fun to come down here and all of the parents and the kids."

Fort Lee Councilman Michael Sargenti used to coach in the league as well and his son used to play, and he said he still loves the league and understands its importance.

“It teaches you so much, you don’t realize it," said Sargenti. "How to deal with people, anything that happens, how you work through it, you gain friendships and camaraderie, and you learn a lot, even when you go on to the business world. You learn how to work with people and how to rely on people.”

Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich is grateful for all those who have helped and continue to help the little league thrive.

“Youth sports is alive in Fort Lee, but youth sports in Fort Lee is alive because of one big reason: because of the commitment of the volunteers and the commitment of the parents," Sokolich said. "Without the combination of both, this would never work out. Youth sports is incredibly important because it allows our kids to devote their time to worthy causes like learning sportsmanship. It’s healthy. It encourages friendships and bonds. It’s just filled with life’s good lessons.”

The ceremony took on a joyous tone, as Martini, Sargenti, Sokolich and others addressed the crowd, and was highlighted by a very well done rendition of the National Anthem, played on the electric guitar by David Grant.

The 12 teams took to the field for photo opportunities, and the hard working kitchen staff prepared food and drinks for all who attended.

Little League can create memorable moments, and one occurred just recently, when Frank Patti’s Han Kyed Lee hit a ball off the Fort Lee Film Commission sign in left-centerfield, winning the little leaguer four free movie tickets.

Lee was very excited when he hit the sign during a game against Fort Lee AC, which is coached by the legendary Morris Ginsburg, who is now in his 52nd year with FLNLL but was unable to attend Saturday's ceremony.

“I hit the target and went to second base, and I was happy,” said Lee.

Lee is not sure what movie he wants to see yet, but moments like that make all of the hard work put into the little league more than worth it.